Let's Be Crazy (Oh Captain, My Captain Book 4) (5 page)

"Stop it. Sadie might hear you."

"No, she won't. So, when is the date?"

I shake my head. "I don't know."

"Just remember: go crazy."

Ashton

“Your son is in the other room, sick as a dog, and you’re grinning like a fool.” Brooke is wearing a small smile herself. “Why is that, Ash?”

“She said yes,” I say simply with a shrug of my shoulders. “And hey, he’s got a stomach bug, so don’t try and pin this on me. I haven’t fed him fast food. He probably caught it at school.”

“Don’t try and change the subject. Where are you going to take her?”

“I’m not sure yet. I honestly thought I would be sending her flowers and gifts for the rest of my life. She didn’t seem like she would ever change her mind.” I smile sweetly at her and add, “If she needs someone, are you up for babysitting Sadie?”

“Sure. Go ahead and tell her that I will, actually. They can hang out and I can gauge how it went by how she is when she comes to pick Sadie up.”

“You’re the best, Brooke.”

She smiles as Reed calls out for her. She goes to him as the victory pulses through me. Now I need to make sure this date is perfect, so she’ll give me a second one.

~ ~ ~

Lexie agreed to let Brooke keep Sadie for our date tonight. I haven’t been this nervous since I found out Brooke was pregnant. What makes it even more nerve-racking is that because it’s been a long couple of days, I offered to just have a relaxing dinner at my place. She seemed skeptical and weary when I told her, but she didn’t cancel. My phone on the counter starts buzzing with incoming texts.

Brooke: Remember to be a gentleman

Brooke: Don’t do anything to freak her out

Brooke: Have fun, don’t make too many forward comments

I laugh. Fortunately, I’m unable to reply before there’s a knock on my door. Standing on the other side is a beautiful Lexie in dark jeans and a modest blue blouse. My gaze travels over her twice before words leave my mouth.

“You’re beautiful, Lexie.” I smile, stepping forward to kiss her cheek. “C’mon in.”

There’s a small blush on her face, and she seems a bit surprised. “A date usually implies going out,” she says.

“Yes, well, I thought a nice easygoing dinner here sounded better. Don’t worry, I’m not going to seduce you.”

Lexie rolls her eyes as I grin on our way to the dining room. I had just finished setting the table before she arrived. The lights are dimmed as four candles burn brightly to give us more light. I help her out of her jacket, hang it on the back of her chair, and then pull it out so she can sit down. Before I do the same, I pour us each a glass of wine. Our plates are already filled with food, and I clear my throat as we begin to eat.

“I feel like I should apologize for us not telling you that I was Reed’s father. Brooke didn’t know about me trying to ask you out until that playdate either.”

“It’s okay. I understand.” She takes a bite. “This is really good,” she says. “Did you cook this?”

When I nod, I can see the tiniest expression of her being impressed over my pork chops and homemade mashed potatoes. “This is Reed’s second favorite meal, so I figured I couldn’t go wrong with it.”

"I'm betting chicken nuggets is his favorite. Sadie is the same way."

I chuckle. “Yep. I’m ready for the pizza phase. There’s only so many chicken nuggets I can eat.”

"I know what you mean. So, how's practice? I see Jax is still beating you in points." A small smile appears.

“Practice is good. Jax won’t be able to hold it, though. He’s a good guy, but he’ll fall behind about halfway through the season like he did last year. How did that become your favorite team anyway?”

Lexie hesitates. "Sadie's father was a huge Gamblers fan. He was stationed near Vegas, and it became his favorite team." He must have been in the military, then. Maybe that’s how he died.

I nod, unsure of how much I should say. “Were you a fan before that?”

"I wasn't as big as a fan as I am now, but I did like hockey. What about you? What made you love hockey so much?”

“My dad played, so he wanted me to play. I fell in love with the game and the competitiveness of it. I was really bad at first, like way worse than all the other kids, but Dad pushed me and I wanted to be good more than anything, so I kept practicing until I was. There was no way I could give it up. In case you haven’t noticed, I don’t stop until I have what I want.”

"No matter how annoying you are about it,” she says in a monotone. “So, Brooke told me you two met in college. Which college?"

“Just a college in Delaware. Where did you go to school?”

"Here. I went to a local college. I didn't want to travel a whole lot, and it was a good excuse to stay at home rent-free,” she giggles.

“How long have you been back here?”

"Oh, I've never really left, but I just bought my house to make sure Sadie was in the right school district. Are you enjoying Utah?"

“Yeah, Reed loves it here, and Brooke doesn’t seem to mind it. I hope I can stay with this team for a long time, so I won’t have to uproot them again, especially now that he’s met Sadie.” I know Brooke doesn’t care for all the moving around we’ve done, so I’m extremely thankful that she’s willing to do it anyway to keep Reed close to me.

Lexie nods. "Brooke said that she moves with you. I know Sadie is happy to have Reed as her friend too. Sometimes its hard for her to make friends."

“Reed too, but that ends up being more my fault than his shy-at-first personality.”

"Reed is shy? I don't think I've seen that side of him." She smiles, causing me to laugh.

“Well, I think that’s enough about our kids, don’t you think? I want to know
you
. Reed could always tell me about Sadie. So, aside from hating on my team, what else do you love to do?”

"Um, nothing. I mean, I read the occasional book now and again, but I mostly work and take care of Sadie. I have a very boring life. What about you? Do you have hobbies?"

“I go to Vegas here and there to gamble with some friends, and we go snowboarding sometimes.”

"Oh, you like to snowboard?” Her eyes light up. “I do too. Well, I mean, I did,” she hastily adds. “I'm getting too old for it now, but Tony and I would go all the time when we were younger." Her mouth clamps shut. "Sorry, I didn't mean to say that last part."

“It must be hard on you without him, especially with having Sadie. How long has it been, if I may ask?”

"Sadie will be seven in December, so it'll be seven years in November.” He never got the chance to meet his daughter? Oh, wow. “Sometimes it doesn't seem that long ago, and some days it’s a lifetime. I figured Brooke told you."

“No, she didn’t.” I shake my head. “She only said you were Sadie’s mom.”

"How did you know?" Her eyes crinkle with suspicion, and I already feel bad for what I’m about to say.

“Reed.” With caution, I proceed to clear away her confusion. “He asked why some kids’ dads weren’t around. He said Sadie told him that her dad was in a happier place and loved her, but he didn’t understand why he didn’t come play with her. That’s all I know about him.”

I’ve never heard a sadder voice than when she speaks next. "Tony and I started dating when we were fourteen. We stayed together all through high school and he joined the Army the moment he turned eighteen. When I found out I was pregnant, we got married. He was killed in Iraq and six weeks later, I had Sadie."

‘I’m sorry’ doesn’t seem like the best thing to say, so I go with what I would rather say instead. “I’m sure he would be proud of how good a job you’ve done with Sadie.”

Lexie gives me a small smile in appreciation before changing the subject. "I guess I'm the worst first date you've ever had?"

“Not even close to the worst. Has this been your worst? Because if not, then you know what I’m going to do,” I say with a grin.

"Ashton, come on, you couldn't possibly want a second date?”

“Oh, but I do. I need to see your fun side next, and definitely before I make any final decisions about future dates.”

"There’s no point in arguing, so I'm going to ask for a compromise. Mainly because I'm a little nosy and curious. What's the deal with you and Brooke? I mean, she keeps saying you’re friends, but I don't want her mad at me if something does or doesn't happen."

I laugh at her concern. “She’s one of my best friends, Lexie. That’s all. She would probably get mad at me before she got mad at you. You have nothing to worry about. She’ll most likely still be your friend, and neither of us would keep Reed from playing with Sadie or anything like that. He’s our first priority no matter what, and I know it’s the same for you with Sadie.”

"I agree. Plus, I don't want to say anything about whatever this is to them either."

“Of course. As far as they are concerned, I’m just Reed’s dad and you’re just Sadie’s mom.” I stand and grin. “Are you up for some dessert?”

“Did you seriously just ask me that?”

A laugh rumbles out of my chest. “You should get your mind out of the gutter, Lexie. I was talking about brownies topped with ice cream. Pretty sure the brownies are still warm too.”

“Oh. Sorry. You were grinning and looking at me like I was dessert.”

“You are, just not today,” I wink. She follows me into the kitchen, taking a seat at the bar while I prepare dessert. Something she said, though, is nagging me. “How old are you, Lexie? You keep saying you’re old, but,” I turn and rake my eyes over her again, “there’s no way you’re much older than I am.”

Lexie groans. “You can’t ask a woman her age.”

“Yes, I can, so answer me. Whipped cream?” I add, opening the fridge.

“I should probably say no, but Tiffany told me to go crazy, so I’m saying yes. Do you have any chocolate syrup too?”

I laugh. “Whipped cream and chocolate syrup is you going crazy? If that’s the case, would you like caramel drizzled on top as well?”

Lexie licks her lips. Her mouth moves in an answer, but I’m too distracted by her tongue peeking out and wetting her lips to hear her.

“What?”

“I said that sounds great,” she repeats.

“Oh, right.” Caramel too. Of course. I finish adding the toppings and carry our bowls over, setting one down in front of her before I take a seat next to her. “Enjoy.”

I watch as she scoops a little bit of everything onto her spoon, then wraps her lips around it. The spoon slowly slides back out of her mouth. Her low moan that follows is nearly my undoing.

“This really hits the spot, Ashton. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” I automatically reply. It’s not until she glances over at me that I snap out of it. Clearing my throat, I repeat my earlier question. “How old are you, Lexie?”

“Old enough,” she mumbles. When I nudge my knee against hers, she blurts out, “I’m thirty, okay?”

“You do know that I’m only three years younger than you, right? And thirty is not old. Eighty is old.”

“You’re still younger.”

“You’re still beautiful and young.”

Lexie rolls her eyes. I decide to leave whatever issues she has with her age alone.

“Do you want there to be a second date?” I know what I said earlier, but I also said that if she was still opposed to me that I would leave her alone.

She glances over at me with surprise. “You’re going to keep asking until I say yes anyway.”

I shake my head. “Not if you don’t want it. I only asked for one date. A second one is entirely up to you. I’ll ask again. Do you want there to be a second date?”

To buy herself some time, Lexie scoops up the last of her ice cream and brownie. “Yes, I guess so,” she finally answers. When she glances over at me, my grin is from ear to ear. She laughs, “Don’t even look at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you just won the Cup. It’s a second date, nothing major.”

“Both are a major accomplishment and worth a little celebration at least.” She seems lost until I lean towards her. Her eyes widen a little, and I swear her breathing slows. I gently press my lips to hers for only a few moments, long enough to want more. Lexie looks slightly stunned when I pull away and resume eating my dessert.

Lexie

I’m standing at the counter in a daze from the night before. I had a date. Ashton kissed me. We’re going on another one.

What?

I feel like I’ve been buried in an avalanche and can finally see the sun again. Could I have feelings for Ashton?

I shake my head.

Nope. No way. No freaking way.

He’s Ashton Campbell. He’s a Utah Bear. He’s a pain in the ass. But he’s sort of funny, kind of caring, and a great dad.

“Mommy?”

I turn see my daughter in her school uniform, large parka coat, and her pink Hello Kitty backpack. “Yes?”

“It’s time to go to school.”

I look at the clock. Crap. My Ashton-daze has made me forget it’s a school day. “Right. Let’s go.”

“Don’t you need shoes?”

I look down at my bare feet. Crap. “Yep, I’m getting them now. Thank you.” I pat her head I as run down the hall to my room, grabbing my boots.

I hustle Sadie out to the car and drive her over to the school. As we’re walking up the sidewalk, Reed yells out for her. We turn and see him and Brooke coming towards us. Brooke’s smile tells me that she’s already aware of the outcome of my date.

“Wow, Lexie, you look
refreshed
.” She wags her eyebrows at me, and I blush, turning away from her.

“Thanks. Come on, kids.” I rush them both into the door and tell Sadie I’ll see her after school.

“So,” Brooke leans in. “Ashton seemed to be in a good mood as well this morning.”

I groan, making Brooke laugh hard.

“This is so much fun. Usually, I don’t know Ashton’s girlfriends.”

“I’m not his girlfriend. And don’t you find this, I don’t know, strange?” Their relationship still seems so odd to me.

“Hell no. I think it’s great. Ashton’s a great guy, and you’re awesome. This will be a good relationship for you both.”

“Relationship? Oh no, that isn’t what’s happening here. It was one date.”

“Two,” she corrects me. “Ashton told me that when he comes back from the road games, you’re going out again.”

“Still not relationship.”

“You’re taking all the fun out of this.” Brooke pouts.

“What fun? I mean, I went out on a date with a man you’ve had sex with,
and
is the father of your child. Shouldn’t you be yelling at me or something?” I’ve heard and seen the horror stories of divorced parents and failed partnerships. I’ve even had clients request that people remain on the other side of the room or they’ll have two separate parties for kids.

“Look,” Brooke says, stepping closer to me. “I know you find Ashton’s and my relationship strange, but if you want to know the truth, we’re just friends. In fact, neither one of us even remembers having sex with each other, and we’ve never done anything since that night. When girls look at him, they see this hot hockey millionaire. When I look at him, I see a lanky, tall, clumsy freshman in college who almost ran into a door the first time I met him. The Ashton that I love is my friend and the greatest person I could ask to be a father for Reed. Yes, I’m thankful every day for him, but I want him to be happy too. I think you can do that for him.”

“I...I…” I don’t know what to say. I can’t make anyone happy. The only time I’m that way is if I’m with Sadie.

“I have to go to work, but let’s get together soon for another playdate.” She hugs me and jogs over to her car.

I rub my temples as I get back into my car and drive to the office. Not only do I have a long day ahead, but Tiffany is going to bombard me with questions.

“Tell me everything.” She’s standing right at my door when I walk in.

“Good morning to you too.”

“Skip all that shit, and tell me.” She tugs on my arm and pushes me into my chair.

“Fine.” I take a deep breath. “It was a nice dinner and dessert.”

She screams. “You had sex!”

“No!” I yell at her. “I was talking about brownies. Did you really think I had sex?”

“I was hoping.”

I shake my head. “I’m not having sex.”

“But,” she urges me on.

“We’re going on a second date,” I cave and tell her.

Tiff squeals and leaps into my arms. “I’m so happy for you.”

“You’re choking me.” I try to breathe.

“I never thought I’d see the day you would be dating a Bear.”

I roll my eyes. “You and me both. Now, I have work to do, so go away.”

She skips out of the room, singing, “You’re going to get laid.”

I swear I wonder sometimes what her maturity level is. I open my emails, but my phone begins to buzz with a text message

Ashton: Thanks for saying yes. Twice.

Me: Aren’t you supposed to be on a plane?

Ashton: Don’t change the subject. P.S. I could be available for a playdate too, you know.

I smile before I realize it.

Me: Let’s take one date at a time. I don’t want you to think I’m easy.

Crap. Am I flirting?

Ashton: Would never think such a thing. Besides, I meant for Reed and Sadie.

I slap my hand to my forehead. Oh, I’m such an idiot. Here I think he’s talking about sex, and he’s talking about an actual playdate for the kids.

Me: Of course. I was joking.

That’s such a lie.

Ashton: I’m sure. ;) I never would have thought you had such a dirty mind

Me: I think that’s your job, right?

Ashton: To be the object of your dirty thoughts? Yes. It’s only fair.

I shake my head. I need to get away from the conversation and fast.

Me: Have a safe trip. Go Gamblers!

Ashton: Thanks, but before I go, do you still want those tickets??

Like I’m ever going to go to Vegas.

Me: Always!

I tease him.

Ashton: :) Have a good day then, Lexie

Me: Have a safe trip

I put my phone down and realize that I do like him.

Crap.

~ ~ ~

“Pops, you’re so funny.” Sadie is holding her side, laughing at Dad.

“What are you saying? I’m being serious. Worms are the secret ingredient in these cookies.” Dad tries to hold back his smile, but it’s hard for him.

“Grammy, did Pops put worms in our food?”

“I’m not exactly sure, but they are yummy.” Mom tweaks her nose.

“Okay. I’ll eat worms for you, Pops.” She take a large bite of the cookie.

“Sadie, why don’t you go watch SpongeBob? I need to talk to Grammy and Pops.” I need parental advice, and they don’t pull any punches with me. Sadie jumps down from the chair and heads into the other room.

“Everything okay?” Dad looks at me with concern.

“I went out on a date last night,” I whisper.

“That’s wonderful!” Mom exclaims.

“Sshh,” I hush her. “I don’t want Sadie to hear.”

“How come?”

“It’s Reed’s dad, Ashton Campbell.”

“Wait,” Dad’s eyes grow wide. “
The
Ashton Campbell.”

“Isn’t he the captain of the Bears?” Mom looks between us.

“Yes,” I confirm.

“Oh my.” Mom falls back in her chair a little. “Well, did you have a good time?”

“Yes, I did, and I feel guilty about it.” I drop my head into my hands.

“Why?” they ask at the same time.

“Because I think I like him,” I mumble.

“Honey, that’s not a bad thing. I mean he is a Bear, that sucks a little,” Dad groans. He’s been a Portland fan for as long as I can remember. “But, liking someone is good for you. You haven’t dated in years.”

I look up at him. “We’re going out again. Why do I feel like shit about it?”

“Lexie.” Mom takes my hand. “I loved Tony as a son. We’ve been telling you forever that you need to get back out there. Tony wouldn’t want you to stop living your life. I know he wouldn’t.”

“What about Sadie? I don’t want to confuse her about who her dad is.”

“Sadie is well aware that Tony is her dad. That’s something we’ve all told her.” Dad looks at me with a stern expression. “Is this Ashton pressing that issue?”

“No, we’ve been on one date, Dad. I just feel like...” I don’t know if I can say it out loud, but I do. “It’s like I’m cheating.”

“That’s absurd.” Mom’s face matches Dad’s. “I don’t mean to make this sound insensitive, but it’s been almost seven years.”

“I know.”

“I think this is a good thing.” Dad smiles. “Enjoy your youth. Go out and have fun.”

“Youth? Dad, I’m thirty.”

“Good grief.” Mom shakes her head. “You’re not five hundred years old, Lexie. You have so much life to live. You need to do it. Now, as your mother, I order you to date this hockey player.”

I laugh. “You order me?”

“That’s kind of sexy.” Dad leans over and kisses her.